Chapter 3

Bella wasted no time putting me to work. "Feeling queasy? You've been out enjoying yourself for days. Now, hurry up and clean this place. I've never seen a wife as troublesome as you, leaving the house in such a mess."

I fought back the urge to gag and held out my hand to Donald. "You want me to work? Fine. I charge at least 800 bucks for a house call. Pay up first, then I'll get started."

Bella, furious, slapped my hand with the back of her grimy hand, her blackened nails grazing my skin. "You're out of line. It's a woman's duty to do housework. Why are you asking your husband for money?"

I quickly pulled my hand back, refusing to back down. "Not gonna pay me? Then you can live in this dump."

Donald didn't reach for his wallet. Instead, he pointed at Alex on the couch, clearly trying to play on my guilt. "If you're fine with your son living in a dump and risking an allergic reaction now and then, then don't bother."

I was furious at his nerve. "How can you use our son as leverage?"

Bella suddenly started wailing. "Oh, what a curse on this family. How did we end up with a daughter-in-law like you? What kind of mother abandons her family to live it up, feeds her child junk and dresses him in filth, and couldn't care less when he nearly died?"

Her shouting brought out a bunch of neighbors, all eager to watch the drama unfold.

As soon as they got close, the rotten smell from our place hit them, and everyone started covering their noses and making snide remarks.

"I knew something reeked every time I passed by this past week. So nobody could be bothered to clean?"

"What a shame. The husband comes home to a cold stove; the kid's dressed like a ragamuffin. Emily is heartless. She doesn't care about her own family."

Their words were nothing but criticism aimed at me.

Seeing the smug faces of Bella, Donald, and Peter sent chills down my spine.

Desperate, I scooped up Alex, who was fast asleep. "I'm not abandoning my son. If I leave him with you, he could be in danger any second. There's no way I'd ever feel safe letting you take care of him."

Bella screamed, "Emily, what's your problem? Put Alex down right now. Are you trying to break up the family by taking him away?"

As soon as Bella said that, the neighbors blocked the doorway, making sure I couldn't get out.

"Emily, don't be rash. No couple holds a grudge overnight. Say sorry to Donald, tidy up the house, and everything will be fine."

"Why put your son through all this trouble with you?"

The commotion finally woke Alex up.

I was overjoyed. "Alex, you're awake. Come with me, okay? My place is much cleaner than here, and I'll cook you all your favorite meals."

But as soon as Alex saw me, he burst into tears, squirming and kicking, desperate to break free. "I don't want you. You're a beggar. You always ask Dad for money and make awful food.

"Dad, I want Dad. Dad gives me delicious food and never nags me about anything."

Alex thrashed in my arms, punching and kicking until it really hurt. The moment I loosened my grip, he threw himself into Donald's arms.

Donald shot me a smug look. "If you keep messing around outside, your own kid won't call you mom anymore. Clean up this mess, and maybe he'll call you his mom again."

The neighbors behind me started piling on, all talking over each other.

"Emily, your kid doesn't want to be near you anymore. Own up, fix the mess, and win their hearts back before it's too late."

"Keep making a fuss, and you'll only embarrass yourself. It's no good for anyone. Go back and clean up. Donald's out there earning for the family. He's a solid guy. Why think about splitting up?"

Alex's kick seemed to strike right at my heart. My chest tightened, blood running cold, then surging to my head. My temples throbbed, ears ringing.

I always took such good care of Alex. When I found out his life was in danger, I rushed over in such a panic that I nearly fell several times. Yet all that greeted me was the family's malice and disdain.